Swedish striker Lotta Schelin scored two goals as Canada fell 1:2 to in its final group match at the 2008 Women's Olympic Football Tournament. Despite the loss, Canada had already learned of its qualification for the Friday quarter-final before kick off.

The Ancaster, ON striker dove head first to connect with an Amy Walsh centering pass. Swedish goalkeeper Hedvig Lindahl had no chance in stopping Tancredi’s header. It was Tancredi’s eighth career goal, putting her tied for 10th on the all-time list with Annie Caron and Kristina Kiss.

Schelin opened the scoring in the 19th minute, accepting a pass and getting in behind the Canadian defenders. All alone in on goalkeeper Erin McLeod, Schelin fired a shot into the left corner for her second goal of the tournament.

Five minutes earlier, Sweden had forced the play into the Canadian zone. A shot from just outside the box sailed high after it was deflected by Sophie Schmidt.

After Sweden opened the scoring, Diana Matheson had a terrific chance as she broke in alone on Lindahl in the 22nd minute. Lindahl, however, forced Matheson to make the first move and Lindahl made the easy save. As the play continued, Canada was able to cross the ball into the box on two quick occasions, but neither time was another Canuck present to convert the play for goal.

Sweden continued its attack in the second half, pushing deep into the Canadian territory. McLeod was terrific, making several key saves to keep the score close. In the 50th minute, it was Canada’s turn as Tancredi created a terrific chance off a Rhian Wilkinson corner.

It was on the counter attack, however, that Schelin scored her second of the match and third of the tournament. Jessica Landstrom on the left drew the Canadian defence to her side before passing the ball to the free-and-clear Schelin.

After Tancredi’s goal cut the Swedish lead in half, Canada continued to press. In the 71st minute, Kara Lang took a long pass from Wilkinson. She turned with the ball and shot between two defenders, but could not even the score.

Two minutes later, McLeod was forced to deflect a shot from 20 metres out from Therese Sjogren. Then in the 74th minute, it was Tancredi’s turn to fire from 30 metres out, beating the goalkeeper but missing the net.

In the 87th minute, Sweden came back with another chance. First Jessica Landstrom fired but missed the target, then captain Victoria Svensson had her chance but went wide of McLeod and the net.

Of note in the game, goal scorer Tancredi was back in the lineup after missing one game because of an ankle injury. Defender Randee Hermus returned to the bench and Wilkinson moved back from midfield to defence.

Coach Pellerud made three substitutions in the match, all in the second half. Amy Walsh replaced Sophie Schmidt at midfield in the 46th minute and Jodi-Ann Robinson replaced captain Sinclair up front in the 67th minute. Robyn Gayle then replaced Emily Zurrer on defence in the 81st minute. Both Walsh and Gayle were making their Olympic debuts.

Five years ago in the last significant match between these two sides at the FIFA Women’s World Cup USA 2003, Sweden won 2:1 in what was the semi-final match. Canada went on to finish fourth at the tournament. Through 2008, Canada’s all-time record is now one win, 10 losses and one draw against Sweden.

More importantly, though, Canada now faces the United States in three days on 15 August. The Women’s Olympic Football Tournament quarter-final match will be played at the Shanghai Stadium in Shanghai, China (18.00 / 06.00 ET / 03.00 PT).

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Canada’s women’s football team has qualified for the quarter-final stage at the 2008 Women’s Olympic Football Tournament. Canada will face the United States on Friday 15 August at the Shanghai Stadium in Shanghai, China. The match will kick off at 18.00 (06.00 ET or 03.00 PT).

"We have played the Americans so many times," says captain Christine Sinclair. "We are expecting a very close game as it is a huge rivalry for both of us."

After a 1:2 loss to Sweden today, combined with a Chinese 2:0 victory over Argentina, Canada finished third in Group E with four points. China finished first with seven points while Sweden finished second with six points.

Canada’s qualification put it up against the top team in Group G. Surprisingly, USA leapfrogged Norway after it hammered a 4:0 win over New Zealand and Norway suffered an unexpected 1:5 loss to Japan.

In Group F, Brazil secured first place with a 3:1 win over Nigeria while Germany finished second after its 1:0 win over Korea DPR. Unable to pick up a fourth point, Korea DPR was eliminated thanks to Japan’s big win over Norway.

In Friday’s quarter-final stage, Canada faces USA, China faces Japan, Brazil faces Norway, and Germany faces Sweden. The Canada-USA winner will face the China-Japan winner in one semi final while the Brazil-Norway winner will face the Germany-Sweden winner in the other semi final.

The Friday 15 August Canada-USA match will be broadcast live on CBC television and CBCSports.ca. 

The 2008 Women’s Olympic Football Tournament runs 6-21 August in China. With the elimination of Argentina, Korea DPR, New Zealand and Nigeria, there are now eight teams remaining in the medal hunt.